Meet Our Teachers
At TCP, we believe that exceptional teachers make all the difference in creating a nurturing, play-based learning environment where children thrive. Our teaching team combines decades of early childhood education experience with genuine passion for fostering creativity, curiosity, and confidence in every child. Each of our educators brings unique strengths and perspectives to the classroom, united by their commitment to TCP's core values and their deep understanding that children learn best through meaningful play and exploration. Get to know the wonderful teachers who will guide your child's educational journey.
Shelley Burnett (Ms. Shelley)
3-DAY CLASS TEACHER & DIRECTOR
Ms. Shelley has been part of our TCP family for many years, and she’s truly the heart of our school. She first joined us as a parent, with both of her sons attending TCP.
In 1999, she officially became our Parent/Toddler teacher, and in 2013, she stepped into the role of Director and 3-Day Class Teacher. With her background in child development and deep love for working with little ones, Ms. Shelley brings so much warmth, creativity, and joy into our classrooms every day.
In 2008, she was even honored as California’s Teacher of the Year. Ms. Shelley lives in Tustin with her husband and their three grown sons. She loves continuing TCP’s special traditions while dreaming up new ways for children to learn through play. Her heart is fully in this work, and it shows in everything she does.
Lizette Sosa (Ms. Lizette)
2-DAY CLASS TEACHER & DIRECTOR
Ms. Lizette has been part of our TCP family since 2015, and all three of her daughters are proud TCP alumni. Before becoming a teacher, she was an active parent volunteer on our curriculum team—already deeply invested in nurturing children’s creativity and curiosity. She’s always loved watching how each child brings their own special spark to every project.
After a two-year adventure in North Carolina, Ms. Lizette and her family found their way back home to California—and to the magical community of TCP.
One of her favorite parts of teaching is learning from her students. She believes that children have endless wisdom to share, inspiring us to see the world with fresh eyes, creativity, and heart. Every day, she looks forward to the new adventures her students lead her on.
Ms. Lizette holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis in Community Health Education from Cal State Long Beach, where she also participated in community outreach programs encouraging children to explore STEM. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a focus on Childhood Education.
In 2025, Ms. Lizette was honored as Teacher of the Year by the California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS) for her outstanding dedication to early childhood education.
Lynelle Miliate-Ha (Ms. Lynelle)
PARENT & ME TEACHER
Ms. Lynelle’s journey at TCP began like many others—she was a parent who just couldn’t get enough of the magic here! After three years, she officially joined our team, bringing with her a fun and unique background. She has an MFA, a Master’s belt in Kung Fu, and years of experience teaching parent/child martial arts classes.
She’s especially passionate about helping little ones explore how their bodies move and grow. At TCP, we call her our “gross motor skill momma” because she brings so much energy and movement into the classroom. Her teaching is hands-on, playful, and full of wonder.
For Ms. Lynelle, life is one big adventure, and she feels so lucky to help toddlers and their parents take their very first steps into the world together.
